Preparing for Your Bare HR™ Treatment Sessions: What You Need to Know
Imagine waking up every morning to effortlessly smooth skin. Sounds like a dream, right? With Bare HR, that dream can become a reality. This advanced laser hair removal device can effectively eliminate unwanted hair from nearly anywhere on the face or body, freeing you from the daily hassle of shaving, waxing and plucking.
If you’re preparing for your first Bare HR treatment at Wink Medical Aesthetics in Lakeway, Texas, or are just curious how you can get the most out of your sessions, we’re exploring how to prepare for your appointment to maximize your results. Keep reading to learn more and get ready to achieve smooth, silky skin with ease!
What Is Bare HR?
Bare HR is an advanced laser hair removal device from Sciton, a leader in energy-based medical aesthetics. It works by targeting the pigment (melanin) within unwanted hair to prevent future regrowth. However, unlike other laser hair removal devices, Bare HR uses ultra-short pulses of energy to damage the hair follicles while bypassing the surrounding skin. During treatment, it simultaneously delivers three different wavelengths — 810 nm, 940 nm and 1060 nm — to treat varying hair depths and skin types, making it suitable for all complexions.
How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal with Bare HR is an effective solution for permanently reducing unwanted hair. It works by delivering light-based energy into the hair follicles, where it is absorbed and converted into heat. This heat damages the hair follicles, slowing and eventually stopping regrowth. Since hair grows in cycles, it can take several treatments to achieve lasting results, but less growth occurs after each session. Laser hair removal can completely eliminate the need to shave, pluck or wax the treated areas, allowing you to enjoy silky smooth skin year-round.
Is Laser Hair Removal Really Permanent?
Yes, laser hair removal can provide up to a 95% permanent reduction in unwanted hair. Because the majority of hair follicles are destroyed during the treatment process, they won’t be able to start producing new hairs. If some hair follicles aren’t completely destroyed or they recover over time, any hair that does grow back will be substantially thinner, lighter and less noticeable than it was before. It’s also important to note that some health-related factors, such as hormonal changes, thyroid imbalances or the use of certain medications, can stimulate new hair growth, so occasional maintenance sessions might be needed to maintain your results.
Preparing for Treatment
Laser hair removal can effectively eliminate unwanted hair, but there are some pre-treatment steps you should take to optimize your results. Although our team will provide you with detailed instructions, here are some guidelines you can expect to follow prior to your appointment.
What to Skip
No Waxing or Plucking
Don’t wax, pluck or use depilatories in the weeks leading up to your appointment, since these methods remove the hair at the root. The laser targets the hair root, so it needs to be intact to ensure an effective treatment. You should also avoid these methods in between sessions.
Stay Out of the Sun
Sun exposure and tanning beds can make laser hair removal less effective and increase the likelihood of unwanted side effects, such as skin irritation or discoloration. While Bare HR uses three unique wavelengths that are safe for dark or tanned skin, it’s still beneficial to keep your skin protected from the sun for at least two weeks prior to your session for optimal results.
Be Wary of Certain Medications
Some medications can increase skin sensitivity and the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re currently taking and if they should be discontinued a few days before undergoing treatment. Some medications that can affect how the skin responds to laser hair removal include blood thinners, aspirin, isotretinoin (Accutane), antibiotics and certain herbal supplements.
Avoid Chemical Exfoliants
Using products that contain chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) can also increase skin sensitivity. Avoid using these products in the treatment area for a few days before your laser hair removal appointment to prevent any potential irritation.
What to Do
Shave 24-48 Hours Before Your Appointment
While you can’t wax or pluck before your appointment, you will be encouraged to shave 24-48 prior to undergoing laser hair removal. Why? Shaving provides your laser technician with a clean slate for increased precision, especially in areas that have hairs with varying lengths. It also ensures that the laser can effectively reach the hair follicles without wasting energy.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
We recommend wearing soft, loose-fitting and comfortable clothing to your appointment. This reduces the chances that it will rub against treated areas and cause post-treatment irritation. If you’re having your legs or bikini area targeted, loose pants or skirts can be especially practical.
Arrive with Clean Skin
Ensure your skin is completely clean and free from soaps, oils, lotions, creams or deodorant before arriving for your appointment. Any residue can interfere with the effectiveness of the laser and potentially lead to adverse reactions. Clean skin ensures the laser directly interacts with the hair follicles without any barriers, leading to better results and a safer experience.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is always good advice, but even more so if you’re about to undergo laser hair removal. Hydrated skin can tolerate the laser better and heal faster, providing more effective results and a smoother recovery. Drink plenty of water in the days before your appointment!
Other Ways to Prepare For Your Appointment
As you get ready for your first laser hair removal session, it’s essential to align your expectations with the reality of the process. Hair growth occurs in cycles, including anagen, regression and resting phases. Because the laser is most effective on hair that is actively growing, multiple sessions are necessary to catch all hairs as they move through these stages. Typically, patients require several treatments spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results.
Understanding this cycle can help you stay positive, as visible results will develop gradually. Each session targets more hairs in the active phase, progressively reducing hair growth. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage and long-term results. Remember, patience and consistent follow-up treatments are key to achieving the smooth, hair-free skin that lasts.
Maintaining Your Results
After achieving your goals with Bare HR laser hair removal, maintaining your results is straightforward but essential. Here are some tips to help keep your skin looking its best:
- Follow-Up Treatments: Depending on your hair’s growth cycles, periodic touch-ups may be necessary to catch any new hair growth and keep the area smooth.
- Gentle Skincare: Use gentle, non-irritating products on the treated area. Avoid harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants until your provider gives you the go-ahead.
- Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from the sun keeps it healthy. Use a broad-spectrum SPF to prevent sun damage and unwanted pigment changes.
- Don’t Wax or Pluck Between Appointments: For the same reasons you shouldn’t wax or pluck before your first appointment, avoid doing so between sessions, too.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Believe it or not, what you eat and how much water you drink can affect your skin’s health and the results of your laser hair removal. For the best long-term outcome, maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
Maintaining the best results from your Bare HR treatment requires some ongoing care. A proactive approach can help ensure your skin remains smooth and hair-free for the foreseeable future, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your laser hair removal treatment.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
If you’re getting ready to dive into your first laser hair removal sessions, here’s what you can expect. The process itself is quite straightforward and surprisingly comfortable — during your appointment, you’ll be given protective eyewear, and your laser technician will use a handheld device to deliver ultra-short energy pulses into hair follicles, precisely targeting the pigment in your hair while leaving the surrounding skin untouched.
Unlike other laser treatments that might feel a bit daunting, Bare HR is known for its gentle approach. Most folks describe the sensation as a quick, light snap — nothing too intense. So, you can relax knowing that discomfort is minimal, making it a breeze even for those who are a bit wary of laser treatments.
Afterward, you’ll be able to return home with little to no downtime. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you get the most out of your treatment and schedule your next session. Over the next few days, treated hair follicles will begin to shed. With each session, you can expect up to a 25% reduction in hair thickness and density. These results continue to improve with each subsequent treatment. Most patients undergo a series of six to eight sessions to achieve their goals, but this can vary depending on your response to treatment.
Ready to Experience Silky Smooth Skin?
Take the first step toward a smoother tomorrow! Schedule your Bare HR™ consultation at Wink Medical Aesthetics in Lakeway, Texas, and let us create a laser hair removal plan that’s perfect for you. Say goodbye to endless shaving and waxing, and hello to effortless, lasting results. Get started by calling us today at 512-263-2400 or click here to book your appointment online!
